Judson University is now accepting film submissions for the 13th annual Imago Film Festival to be held April 4-8, 2017, at Judson University (1151 N. State St., Elgin). The Imago Film Festival showcases independent film that deals with faith issues, emphasizing image and story.

The early deadline for submission is Thursday, Dec. 1, with a fee of $30 and the late deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, with a fee of $40. Submissions must be less than 30 minutes in length in DVD or Blu-ray format and deal with images and stories about the spiritual journey of the human experience through any genre the filmmaker sees fit.

Filmmakers may submit as many entries as they like. A panel of local university film and media professors as well as professionals in the field will judge the films.

This year’s film festival will screen original films and feature nationally known speakers. Past speakers have included Pixar animator Matthew Luhn (who helped to create characters for “Toy Story,” “Monsters Inc.,” and “Cars”); actor Doug Jones (star of “Hellboy,” “Pan’s Labyrinth,” and “The Fantastic Four”); Marshall Allman (star of “Blue Like Jazz“); Ralph Winter (producer of the “Star Trek” and “X-Men” film series); and David McFadzean (creator of “Home Improvement“). There will also be film discussions, workshops and an awards ceremony.

The prizes for the winning films are as follows:

• Best of Show – $1,000
• First Runner-up – $500
• Second Runner-up – $300
• Audience Choice Award – $200

For detailed submission information, including the official submission form, visit www.imagofilmfestival.com. For specific questions, contact Dr. Terrence Wandtke (festival director) at filmfestival@judsonu.edu.

Congratulations to the Winners of the 2016 Imago Film Festival

The award winning films are: “We Can’t Live Without Cosmos” (Grand prize award), “Persimmon” (1st Runner up), “Speed Dating” (2nd Runner up), and “Not the End” (Audience choice). The recipient of the Imago Lifetime Achievement Award is Ralph Winter. Congratulations to all the winners. Remember to save the dates for the 13th Annual Imago Film Festival: April 4-8, 2017.

About Judson University

Judson University, a Christian college nestled along the Fox River in the city of Elgin, is home to more than 1,250 students from 30 states and 20 countries. The university offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, minors and pre-professional programs and is currently the only evangelical Christian college or university to offer a fully-accredited graduate program in architecture. For more information, visit the Judson University website.